[Guide] How to Download iTunes on Chromebook Without Linux

Want to download iTunes on your Chromebook but don't want to deal with Linux? Look no further! Our detailed guide will show you how to do it without any hassle.

By @Clara Last Updated October 23, 2024

Can I Download iTunes to a Chromebook Without Linux?

What a Chromebook is? It is developed by Google and uses the Chrome operating system (Chrome OS). Chromebooks is incredibly popular, especially in classrooms and meeting rooms. However, many users still prefer iPhones as their primary devices. This often leads to compatibility issues between Google's Chromebook ecosystem and Apple's iOS environment.

So, can you have iTunes on a Chromebook without Linux? No, you can't install iTunes directly on a Chromebook without using Linux. iTunes is a software application developed by Apple that is used on macOS and Windows and does not have a version compatible with Chrome OS.

But don't worry, in the following article we will provide you with detailed steps to help you run iTunes in Chromebook. Let’s take a look together!

Notice for Install iTunes on Chromebook

Before you take steps to learn how to install iTunes on Chromebook, there are some things you need to pay attention:

⚠️ Although iTunes is not available for ChromeOS, you can install the Windows version within the Chromebook's Linux environment.

⚠️ However, even with iTunes installed, you won't be able to sync your iPhone or iPad with your Chromebook.

⚠️ The latest Windows version of iTunes won't function correctly on a Chromebook, but the 32-bit version of iTunes 12 is compatible with most Chromebooks.

★Tips:
 How to fix iTunes error 5000 when using iTunes

Comprehensive Guide: How to Download iTunes on Chromebook

Now, you can follow the below steps to perform how to download iTunes on Chromebook.

Step 1. Enable Linux on Chromebook:

  • Tap the time in the bottom-right corner of the screen > Click Settings.
  • Go to Advanced > Choose Developers from the drop-down choices.

  • From the next window, hit Turn on next to Linux development environment.
  • Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the setup process.

Step 2. Download and install iTunes by Wine:

  • Once you've set up Linux on your Chromebook, a terminal window with a command prompt will open > To update all system packages, type sudo apt-get update > Press the Enter key to run the command.

  • Type sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 > Press Enter to make sure 32-bit architecture.

  • Type sudo apt update> Press Enter to update your package libraries.

  • Type sudo mkdir -pm755 /etc/apt/keyrings > Press Enter > Type sudo wget -O /etc/apt/keyrings/winehq-archive.key https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key > Press Enter to add the Wine repository key.

  • Type sudo wget -NP /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/debian/dists/bullseye/winehq-bullseye.sources > After pressing Enter > Update your package information by type sudo apt update once installed.

  • Finally, type sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable wine32 fonts-wine libwine:i386 > Press Enter to download and install Wine.

Step 3. Download iTunes on Chromebook with ease:

  • Download the 32-bit version of iTunes for Windows from the official website of Apple > Choose the Linux files folder to save the downloads.
  • Paste the following command, but before pressing Enter, replace username with your Linux username, and iTunesSetup.exe with the name of the iTunes file you downloaded earlier: WINEARCH=win32 WINEPREFIX=/home/username/.wine32/ wine iTunesSetup.exe

  • Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation > When you see the "Congratulations" message, you can uncheck the "Open iTunes after the installer exits" option if you don't want iTunes to launch immediately > Then, click "Finish" to complete the process.

Bonus Tip: How to Backup iPhone/iPad Without iTunes

By reading the above, you will find that downloading and installing iTunes to Chromebook is really complicated. In fact, not only Chromebook users, but also other computer users, such as Windows users will complain about iTunes's synchronization and backup capabilities. Because it's very slow and complicated to operate. Have you ever tried to replace iTunes?

FoneTool, This is a professional iOS data management tool, used for iOS data backup, transmission, recovery, iCloud management, etc. It is page-friendly, easy to operate, and can quickly back up your iPhone data with just an easy click. iTunes Without backing up and restoring specific data, FoneTool provides two backup methods:

 Selective Backup. You can preview and select the data you want for backup, such as backup iPhone photos, videos, music, text messages, etc.

 Full Backup. If you need to backup all your iPhone data to the hard drive, FoneTool supports you with one-click backup.

Now, you can download FoneTool and check the steps below:

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer by a USB cable > Tap Trust on iPhone when you first use it.

Step 2. On the Home screen, go to Phone Backup > Choose Selective Backup > Click Get Started to begin. You can also click Full Backup to backup iPhone with one click.

Step 3. Check each icon to preview  > Select the files you want to backup to computer > Then tap OK.

Step 4. Decide a storage path to save the files > Hit Start Backup to make it.

By the way, if you want to transfer photos from iPhone to Chromebook, FoneTool also a good choice. It allows you to simply send video, photos, music, and transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone, iPhone to Chromebook, and vice versa.

Conclusion

After reading the above content, you already know there is no way to solve the question ”how to download iTunes on Chromebook without Linux”. However, there are other ways to download the iTunes to your Chromebook. Just be patient and follow the detailed steps above, and any difficulties can be solved!

In addition, the FoneTool is an alternative to the iTunes. It provides more comprehensive features and easier operations to help you to manage your iPhone data efficiently.